If you live in a small apartment or farmhouse-style property, have you ever encountered a storage crisis at some point? Now, it’s not that you lack space, but it is just that in most cases, items are kept unorganized most of the time. This leads to stuff looking more like clutter and less like usable objects. You can add an extra storage structure for small spaces as a new area to keep goods.
Did you know that a cluttered space can increase your stress? But how shall you organize all this ‘cluttered’ stuff? What potential solutions can you use to enhance the overall look yet make it functional? Let’s begin with the basics.
PREREQUISITES
First, you should know that you don’t need to go under any major renovation to organize items. That must be relieving for you. No, let’s move on to the next step.
Declutter
Look at your stuff in your bedroom, kitchen, kitchen pantry, living space, and even on a balcony or patio. Look deeply. Do you need all of them? Spot objects that are no longer functional; some might be, but you don’t need them anymore, and some stuff that is just broken. Have you noticed all of them? Now, let’s move on to our next step.
Organize Items: Keep, Recycle, Donate
Divide those items into three parts. The first one is ‘Keep‘. These are items that you need and have been using. Next is ‘Recycle/Throw.’ Items broken beyond repair can be thrown away, and some can be recycled, such as old electronics with broken cables, glassware, etc.
The last one is ‘Donate‘. If you have items in fairly good condition but no longer use them or are just collecting dust on the rack, it is time to find them a new home. Did you know that donating has a positive effect on your mental well-being? That’s right.
Clean
Now, remove all the items and thoroughly clean the space. All dust collecting in the corner will be removed, and if you notice any molds, you can fix them. That being said, let’s move on to the storage part. How do you store items efficiently?
10 Storage Ideas to Make The Maximum of Out Available Space At Your Home
1. Think Vertically & Open Up Storage
Opt for vertical storage units. Not only will it give you extra space to keep items, but it will occupy less floor space at the same time. If the items are not subjected to breaking, you can choose open storage structures like shelves and racks.
Here, you can keep your stuff on display. Not only does it look good, but you won’t have to open all the cabinets to find any items as all are in front of your eyes. Another thing you should know is that if you opt for a metal building solution as a storage unit, you can get up to a 40 ft. high structure.
2. Multipurpose Furniture
Opt for furniture that can be used in multiple ways. For instance, an ottoman that can double up as a storage space, work tables with built-in shelves to store items, etc., will make your space look tidy yet functional.
For sole storage, opt for furniture that comes with built-in storage space. Go for space under the stairs. You can build closed cabinets and paint them with wall color to make them look seamless yet with space to keep items.
Stagger or floating shelves can give your storage a rustic look. Opt for a compact ladder that only takes up a little space when not in use.
3. Use Door Space
Have you seen objects hanging on to doors from behind? These are inexpensive storage solutions for keeping items that would otherwise take up floor space. You can find ‘behind-door organizers’ on almost all e-commerce websites and your local store. If you are looking for storage in your garage, this can be placed behind your walk-in door.
You can install hooks to hang umbrellas or overcoats for your bedroom and living area. In this way, it won’t take up a lot of space anywhere else, and when you go out, you can grab it and go.
4. Wall Mount Shelves
One advantage of wall-mounted shelves is that they keep your floor space-free. So, the room looks much bigger. However, if you have a small room, go for open racks, as the boxy cabinet will make your room smaller in appearance.
Another advantage of open storage is that it can double up as a display area. So, you can keep some books, small potted plants, or other small décor pieces.
5. Add A Storage Structure
For homes that are too small to incorporate any of these ideas, or if you have run out of space for storage, consider adding additional space. A metal building solution will work great as a storage space unit on your lot. Basically, you can get a steel shed or a metal garage. You can use it as a storage unit for parking cars or both. You can then implement any of these ideas in it.
The great thing about the metal building in Texas, USA, is that they are rust-resistant, pest-resistant, and weatherproof. Given the unpredictable weather these days, a steel structure will serve as an excellent place for a storage unit. If, in the future, you don’t need one, you can rent it out or convert it into a living space with little tweaks.
6. Hooks & Overhead Storage
Always get sturdy hooks that can hold off your items without falling. These are easily available on e-commerce websites or local hardware stores. You can hang everyday items, clothing, accessories, or other items like pots or pans. Always look at how much weight the hook can bear. It is generally written on the packaging when you buy.
Overhead storage will work great for a metal building in Texas, USA. You can keep seasonal items and gears in it. However, before installing, ensure that your roof can bear the weight of the overhead rack with items. Do not go overboard and stuff items as it may cause structural failure to any roof.
7. Use Nooks Creatively
This is one of the most overlooked spaces in homes and garages. You can install small triangular racks or shelves one over the other to make the maximum out of your space. This way, you can use the nook space to keep small items.
8. Baskets & Bins
Do you have a lot of small items that you can’t categorize? Don’t worry. That is where baskets and bins come in handy. If you use these items more frequently, go for transparent bins. You can even label them to know which bins/baskets store what item. This is extremely helpful in managing the kids’ stuff as well.
9. Peg Boards & Magnetic Boards
Do you like woodwork or repairing? If so, install a peg board that will take less space while keeping all the tools on display. On the other hand, you can stick metallic tools like screwdrivers or small spades on a magnetic board.
10. Use Window
Another overlooked space is the window sill or stool. You can create seating around it or keep your items on its stool. You can keep some potted plants or use them as a foldable desk with natural light coming in while doing your work.
Show Your DIY Projects As a Decor Piece
This tip is for people who like spending their weekends in garages and enjoying arts & crafts projects. Whether it is yours or your kids’ creation, a self-made project can be a unique piece of art you can display on shelves. You don’t have to display all of them. Select a piece that goes with the storage theme.
Most people prefer a separate storage structure like a tool shed or a small garage. In that case, you can incorporate any of the above-mentioned ideas into your storage solution. Remember that it does not have to be overwhelming at all. You can opt for one that is easy and can do it quickly for motivation. We hope this was helpful for you.